When it comes to starting a new life in Hong Kong, professionals and skilled workers often wonder which visa will help them get Hong Kong PR. The path to Hong Kong PR is full of exciting opportunities from career growth to long-term settlement and enjoying social benefits. But before you reach there, the first step is choosing the right visa category.
Hong Kong offers several visa options, and the most popular ones include the General Employment Policy (GEP), Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), and the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). Each visa serves a unique purpose, but all of them offer one important thing in common: the potential to apply for Hong Kong PR after 7 years of legal stay. In this blog, we’ll explain each visa in simple terms and help you understand how each one can help you move closer to Hong Kong PR.
What is Hong Kong PR?
Before going deeper, let’s first understand what Hong Kong PR means. Permanent Residency in Hong Kong allows you to stay in the region without the need to renew your visa. You can work freely, open your own business, and access some public services.
The main requirement to apply for Hong Kong PR is that you must have lived in Hong Kong legally for at least 7 continuous years under an eligible visa category. Once you meet this requirement, you can apply for Hong Kong PR status.
Let’s now explore the three main visa programs that can help you achieve this.
1. General Employment Policy (GEP)
The General Employment Policy (GEP) is designed for skilled professionals from outside Hong Kong. To apply, you must have a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong, and the job must match your academic background or work experience. Also, the position should not be one that can be easily filled by the local workforce.
How GEP Leads to Hong Kong PR:
Once you enter Hong Kong with a GEP visa, you can live and work in the region legally. If you continue your stay under this visa type for 7 years without major breaks, you become eligible to apply for Hong Kong PR. Thousands of professionals in fields like IT, finance, education, and healthcare have successfully obtained Hong Kong PR through this route.
This is the most straightforward way to secure a stable future in Hong Kong if you already have a job offer in hand.
2. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a points-based visa program that does not require a job offer to enter Hong Kong. It is specially designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the city’s development.
Applicants are assessed based on several factors like age, qualifications, work experience, language skills, and personal achievements. Once selected, you are allowed to move to Hong Kong and find employment during your stay.
How QMAS Leads to Hong Kong PR:
Once you are living in Hong Kong under QMAS, you must find a job and continue renewing your visa based on your employment. If you legally stay in Hong Kong for 7 years under QMAS, you can apply for Hong Kong PR.
This visa is perfect for professionals, researchers, tech specialists, and others who may not have a job offer yet but have an excellent background and skillset.
3. Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is one of the newest and most promising routes for global professionals. It is specially created to attract top-tier talent from around the world, including those with outstanding educational backgrounds, high incomes, or experience in global companies.
You do not need a job offer to apply under TTPS. Instead, you qualify by meeting certain criteria, such as graduating from a world-ranked university or earning a high annual income.
How TTPS Leads to Hong Kong PR:
Once granted a TTPS visa, you can enter Hong Kong and look for a job. After securing work and continuing to live in Hong Kong under legal status for 7 years, you become eligible for Hong Kong PR.
This visa is ideal for ambitious individuals looking for flexibility, especially if they want to settle in Hong Kong but haven’t finalized their career move yet.
Which Visa is Right for You?
Choosing the best visa depends on your situation and future goals. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Visa Type | Job Offer Needed | Global Eligibility | PR Eligible After 7 Years |
| GEP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QMAS | No | Yes | Yes |
| TTPS | No | Yes | Yes |
- GEP is best if you already have a job offer in Hong Kong.
- QMAS is suitable for highly qualified professionals without a job offer but with strong experience and academic achievements.
- TTPS is ideal for top talents with international exposure or high salaries.
All these routes are valid and can help you reach the goal of Hong Kong PR.
What You Should Know About Hong Kong PR
Here are a few important points to keep in mind if you’re targeting Hong Kong PR:
- Continuous Stay Matters: You must reside in Hong Kong continuously for 7 years.
- Visa Renewals: Make sure to renew your visa on time and maintain a legal status throughout.
- Proof of Stay: Keep track of your visa approvals, job contracts, address proofs, and other documents.
- Benefits of PR: After you get Hong Kong PR, you won’t need to renew your visa again. You also get greater freedom to change jobs or start your own business.
- Family PR: Once you receive Hong Kong PR, your close family members may also be eligible to apply.
Getting Hong Kong PR is one of the best decisions for professionals who want long-term security, excellent quality of life, and financial growth in Asia’s leading global city. Whether you apply through GEP, QMAS, or TTPS, what matters most is maintaining your legal stay and contributing to Hong Kong’s economy and society.
So take the first step today, choose the visa that fits your profile, and work your way towards Hong Kong PR. With consistency and the right plan, your dream of permanent residency in Hong Kong is absolutely within reach.
